Kitchener man recovering after violent robbery

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A 36-year-old man is recovering from multiple stab wounds he suffered during a robbery at a Kitchener apartment on Thursday afternoon.

Police are describing the senseless incident at the building on Holborn Drive as a targeted home invasion-style robbery.

During the altercation male suspects demanded cash, but it does not appear that anything was taken.

Waterloo Region police spokesperson Olaf Heinzel says “At this point we have no indication that there was any forced entry. The males entered that apartment and at that point demanded money. Following that a fight occurred involving the victim and that is when the victim was injured.”

Family has identified the victim as Marcel Williams. Police say the man was visiting friends at the time of the incident and was stabbed in the hand and back.

Williams suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was scheduled to undergo surgery Friday at a Hamilton hospital.

Niece Cassie Wilson-Ferdinand says “It’s kind of shocking that someone would target him that way just for some so simple as jewelry…I really am concerned.”

Dahel Seieus, also Williams’ niece, says “He’s actually very quiet and no one would realize or expect something like that to happen…It’s actually really scary. I don’t even want to come outside anymore.”

The suspects were seen wearing disguises and carrying weapons. Heinzel says they were “armed with knives and objects resembling firearms.”

It is unclear if the firearms were real or replicas and there is no indication that any firearms were discharged during the robbery, police say, as was initially reported by the victim’s family and neighbours.

Although it is believed to be an isolated incident, there is still concern among local residents.

“We don’t have any information that suggests there’s any public safety concerns at this time,” Heinzel says. “Having said that we have individuals who are potentially armed still in the community.”

Police have scoured the area and interviewed residents, but are asking anyone with information to contact them at 519-653-7700 Ext. 4499 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.